Nestled in the heart of Knightsbridge, one of London's most prestigious neighbourhoods, luxury developer Caudwell has unveiled a new masterpiece—Fonteyn House on Thurloe Place.
This magnificent mansion, once the London residence of the legendary British prima ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn, has been meticulously restored and transformed into one of the finest properties in the area, blending rich historical significance with modern luxury.
Fonteyn House, originally built in 1928, carries with it a deep historical legacy.
Between the 1930s and late 1990s, it served as the official residence of the Panamanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, marking its status as a property of diplomatic and cultural importance. In 1955, the house became the home of Dame Margot Fonteyn and her husband, Dr. Roberto Emilio Arias, a Panamanian diplomat and son of a former President of Panama.
This era saw the mansion hosting a glittering array of guests, from HRH Princess Margaret to actors John Wayne and Peter Sellers, and even the ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev, who lived there after defecting from the USSR in 1961.
After its sale in 2011, Fonteyn House underwent a significant transformation led by GMA Architecture, with planning consent granted in 2016. Over the course of six years, from 2017 to 2023, the property was meticulously refurbished and extended, preserving its period garden façade while creating a state-of-the-art residence within.
Today, Fonteyn House offers 15,980 square feet of luxuriously designed living space, complete with six bedroom suites, three grand reception rooms, a cinema/club room, and an impressive health spa featuring a gym and a 15-metre swimming pool. The residence also boasts a walled garden, an outside dining terrace, and a stunning rooftop garden with a kitchen and bar, providing panoramic views of the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum.
The interiors of Fonteyn House are a testament to craftsmanship and luxury, featuring the finest materials and finishes. Arabescato Calacatta and Saint Laurent marble adorn many of the spaces, complemented by bespoke fittings and handcrafted oak joinery. The mansion also incorporates state-of-the-art technology, including advanced home entertainment and security systems, ensuring that every modern comfort is at the owner’s fingertips.
The house’s design thoughtfully integrates the natural environment, with a stairwell atrium and skylights allowing light to flood the living spaces. The grand reception rooms, with their high ceilings and elegant detailing, create a bright and spacious ambiance, perfect for both intimate family living and large-scale entertaining.
Despite its central location, just a short stroll from Harrods, Hyde Park, and South Kensington Village, Fonteyn House offers an extraordinary level of privacy and seclusion. The mansion’s gated private driveway, shared with only one other house, provides off-street parking for up to six vehicles, while the walled garden offers a serene retreat reminiscent of a country estate.
The outdoor spaces are designed for both relaxation and entertainment, with a garden gallery leading to a substantial main reception room and a large inside-outside entertaining area. The walled garden, complete with a marble fireplace and built-in cinema screen, is perfect for al fresco dining or hosting guests under the stars.
Fonteyn House is now available for sale, representing the pinnacle of luxury living in Knightsbridge. Priced at £65,000,000, this turn-key trophy residence offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of London’s cultural and architectural heritage, now reimagined for the 21st century.
Photo credits go to Caudwell/Alex Winship.
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